The cast of I Play Rocky is expanding as Oscar nominee Matt Dillon is joining the cast of the film. I Play Rocky follows the journey of Sylvester Stallone as he tries to get Rocky (1976) made.

I Play Rocky is directed by Peter Farelly who won an Oscar for his work on the 2018 film Green Book. Farelly won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay alongside Jim Burke, Charles B Wessler, Brian Hayes Currie, and Nick Vallelonga. Farelly is directing I Play Rocky from a script by Peter Gamble. Toby Emmerich and Christian Baha are producing the film. Amazon MGM and FilmNation Services are backing the film.

According to Deadline, Dillon will play the role of Frank Stallone Sr, Sylvester's father. Anthony Ippolito will essay the lead role of Sylvester Stallone, with AnnaSophia Robb playing Sylvester's first wife, Sasha Czack, and Stephen James, playing Carl Weathers, the actor who portrayed Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.

The story of the film will follow Sylvester's journey that sees him navigating beyond every hurdle thrown at him to not only get Rocky (1976) made, but to also play Rocky Balboa. I Play Rocky will also show the contentious, later mended relationship that Sylvester shared with Frank Sr.

Dillon starred as John Ryan, a racist cop in Paul Haggis' Crash (2004). For his role he was nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category. He won the Independent Spirit Award in the Best Supporting Male category.